The Pacific Northwest Tree Octopus
Tree Octopus Activities
"Trick-Or-Treat For Tree Octopus!"
Now you can help tree octopuses get their favorite Halloween treats: candy corn and shrimp!
Just download and assemble the special box. Then on Halloween say "Trick-or-treat for Tree Octopus!" and ask your neighbors for candy corn or shrimp. When you have filled the box with treats, hang it on a branch in a forest where tree octopuses dwell. Tree octopuses enjoy the challenge of removing treats from the box!
Download free box pattern (PDF).
Tree Octopus House
If you live in an area with tree octopuses, consider putting up a tree octopus house. This simple, easy to build, structure will provide replacement shelter for tree octopuses who have found themselves homeless due to habitat loss.
NOTE: It is not uncommon to see bats entering and leaving your tree octopus house. Bats will sometimes move in with tree octopuses if they have nowhere else to go. This can lead to tension, as the fastidious tree octopus and slovenly bat will often disagree with each other. Can two woodland creatures share a treehouse without driving each other crazy? Be sure to keep an episodic journal of their wacky hijinks, for science.
Download free building plans (PDF).
Model Tree Octopus Reserve
Organize students into stakeholder groups (tree octopus conservationists, loggers, hunters, sasquatch, and outdoor enthusiasts) and have them work out a plan to manage a forest reserve for endangered tree octopus. More information and an example plan on Tyler Hicks' website... (Note: site is down; linked to archive.org copy.)
Tree Octopus Expeditions
For the ultimate tree octopus activity, why not undertake an expedition into their habitats and search for them?
Elusive and apt to camouflage, finding tree octopuses can be a rewarding challenge. Remember to only observe from a distance unless they approach you. Take only photos -- do not try to capture them! Tree octopuses are wild animals who cherish their freedom and can succumb to ennui in captivity.
If you can't visit the Cascadian forests, home to O. paxarbolis, do not worry: many regional arboreal or semi-arboreal octopuses have been reported around the world. Perhaps you will be the first to discover a new species in your own local woods.
In any case, take copious photos and behavioral notes. Your observations may contribute to the advancement of dendrocephalopodology.
Example expedition:
- Steampunk Tree Octopus Hunt: Using only traditional Victorian equipment, participants searched for antipodean tree octopodes in Oamaru Gardens, New Zealand (2018).